BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-SWORN EMPLOYEE

• Minimum 18 years of age.

• High school diploma or GED.

• Honorable discharge from military, if applicable.

• Successful completion of Background Investigations.

• Successful completion of Assessment Evaluation.

• Successful Psychological Evaluation.

• Medical examination.

• Resident of Marion County.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR SWORN EMPLOYEE

• Minimum 19 years of age.

• High school diploma or GED.

• Honorable discharge from military, if applicable.

• Successful completion of Background Investigations.

• Successful completion of Assessment Evaluation.

• Successful Psychological Evaluation.

• Medical examination.

• Resident of Marion County.

• Certification by Florida Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Employee Benefits For All Employees

• One week paid vacation- 1^st year.
  Two weeks paid vacation- 2^nd - 7^th year.
  Three weeks paid vacation- 8^th - 19^th year.
  Four weeks paid vacation- 20^th year +.

• Ten paid holidays.   (Includes floating holiday)

• Twelve paid sick leave days per year.

• Hospitalization Insurance. (After 30 days of employment).

• Employee Counseling Assistance Program.

• Dental and Vision Insurance (Optional).

• 125 Program (Optional).

• Life Insurance.

• Shift differential (for Shift Work).

• Special vacation incentive for Employee’s who do not abuse sick leave.

• Time and one half for overtime worked according to Department policy and Fair Labor Standard’s Act.

• Time and one half for holidays worked.

• Uniforms, weapons and other supplies furnished to sworn employees.

• Uniforms cleaning and shoe allowance furnished for certain positions.

• City of Ocala Retirement Program. (5 years vesting). Sworn employees have a Police Pension Plan.

• Full service Credit Union.

• Blood bank member.

• Fitness Center.

RE-EVALUATION

An applicant who is not selected for a position with the department will  have an opportunity to reapply and be re-evaluated after a period of six (6) months, pending the availability of vacancies.

LENGTH OF PROCESS

The duration of the selection process may vary for each applicant based on the number of vacancies and the time required to complete the components of the selection process.  However the normal process takes from 90 to 120 days.

EVALUATIONS

As part of the evaluation process, each applicant will be required to take the TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education), and a polygraph examination.  The purpose of the polygraph examination will be to verify the information in the application including the use of drugs and criminal history. A drug screening test is also included in the processing.

EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

Applicants offered employment as a police officer are required to sign a Reimbursement Contract.  This contract states that in the event the applicant’s employment with the City of Ocala Police Department ceases due to any cause other than death, or disability retirement, within 24 months following completion of Field Training, the applicant agrees to reimburse the City of Ocala Police Department for all the expenses incurred in connection with the applicant’s selection, hiring and training.

Application Mailing Address:
Human Resources Department
P.O. Box 1270
Ocala, FL 34478-1270
Phone: (352) 351-6663
 hr@ocalafl.org